Kinnaird Avenue LIVE updates after 'depraved and barbaric' knife attack

Updated 08:53, 09 Jun 2026 There is widespread shock across Northern Ireland and beyond this morning after a violent attack on the street on Monday night. A man has been seriously injured in a stabbing incident in North Belfast. Officers were called to Kinnaird Avenue around 10.30pm last night and the injured man was taken to hospital, where he is in a critical condition. Another man, who was was arrested in connection with the incident, remains in police custody. DUP councillor Jordan Doran said he was “left shocked and deeply concerned” by footage circulating online following the stabbing. Police and forensic experts at the scene in Kinnaird Avenue, Belfast this morning. (Image: Justin Kernoghan) North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister condemned the "depraved attack". "I am horrified by the footage emerging from North Belfast, depicting some of the most depraved and barbaric violence I have ever seen," she said. SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte said there is widespread shock in the area. Councillor Whyte added: "This was an appalling act of extreme violence. The victim of this attack has endured a terrifying ordeal and all our thoughts are with him and his family and we pray for his full recovery. The bravery of those who intervened saw the attacker stopped and arrested by the police and they must be commended for their actions." We'll have live updates on this breaking news story on our blog below. For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here. ‌ Today 08:45 BST "This extreme brutality has no place whatsoever in our society" North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister said: "I am horrified by the footage emerging from North Belfast, depicting some of the most depraved and barbaric violence I have ever seen. "My thoughts are with the victim and all those who witnessed this deeply disturbing incident. This extreme brutality has no place whatsoever in our society. "The investigation must be allowed to take its course. We must give the PSNI the space and support they need to establish the full facts and ensure that the individual responsible is held to account. Our focus must remain on securing justice and ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law. "I’d appeal to anyone with any information that could help police to contact them urgently to help them with their investigation." Today 08:45 BST SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte has said there is widespread shock in the area Councillor Carl Whyte said: "This was an appalling act of extreme violence. The victim of this attack has endured a terrifying ordeal and all our thoughts are with him and his family and we pray for his full recovery. The bravery of those who intervened saw the attacker stopped and arrested by the police and they must be commended for their actions. "People who view this footage will feel fear, anger and shock. If you are sent this footage, I urge you not to view it nor share it further for the sake of the victim and his family. I have requested an update from the PSNI on this incident and there is a clear need to reassure the local community following this attack. "I would also ask people not to engage with far-right elements who will use this incident in an attempt to sow division. It’s important that people remain calm and allow justice to take its course." Today 08:45 BST Kinnaird Avenue this morning Police and forensic experts at the scene in Kinnaird Avenue, Belfast this morning. (Image: Justin Kernoghan) Today 08:45 BST Forensics remain on the scene this morning Police and forensic experts at the scene in Kinnaird Avenue, Belfast this morning. (Image: Justin Kernoghan) Today 08:45 BST Scenes last night described as "chaos" A local resident described the scene as chaos (Image: X) Today 08:45 BST "This is deeply shocking" Sinn Féin MP John Finucane condemned the attack. The North Belfast MP said: I am aware of an appalling violent attack in Kinnaird Avenue of North Belfast last night. This is deeply shocking, there is no place for violence of any kind in our communities. "My thoughts are with the victim and I hope they make a full recovery. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI immediately so a full investigation can be carried out." Today 08:45 BST PSNI statement Police in North Belfast are currently in attendance at Kinnaird Avenue following the report of a stabbing incident shortly after 10.30pm on Monday 8th June. A man has been arrested in relation to the incident and is in police custody while a second man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. Officers will remain in the area to conduct their enquiries and would ask anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have captured dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area which could help with their investigation, to call them at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1654 08/06/26. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Follow : X (Twitter) Instagram ‌